Method and apparatus for measuring spaces with limited access

a space and limited technology, applied in the field of measuring, can solve the problems of difficulty in accessing the space between the parts, difficulty in achieving the desired fit between parts, physical configuration of assembled parts,

Active Publication Date: 2012-12-27
THE BOEING CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A certain level of fit between parts is desired but not always possible.
The physical configuration of assembled parts can present difficulties for measuring the space between the parts.
For example, an operator may have difficulties in accessing the space between the parts to make measurements of the space.
In other cases, access may be limited to an opening that may be present in the parts or between the parts.
With these situations, measurements may not be made with as great a level of precision as desired.
As a result, the manufacturing of the aircraft may take more time and expense than desired to obtain a desired fit between parts.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for measuring spaces with limited access
  • Method and apparatus for measuring spaces with limited access
  • Method and apparatus for measuring spaces with limited access

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Embodiment Construction

[0026]Referring more particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and aircraft 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Turning first to FIG. 1, an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method 100 may include specification and design 102 of aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 and material procurement 104.

[0027]During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 106 and system integration 108 of aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 takes place. Thereafter, aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 may go through certification and delivery 110 in order to be placed in service 112. While in service 112 by a customer, aircraft 200 in FIG. 2 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 114, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for measuring a space between parts having restricted access is disclosed. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a flange, and a measurement system. An end of the elongate member is configured to move through a hole in a first structure into a space located between the first structure and a second structure. The flange extends from the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to expand after the flange exits the hole in the first structure such that the flange is unable to pass back through the hole. The measurement system is configured to measure movement of the end of the elongate member to identify a length of the space between the first structure and the second structure.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0001]1. Field[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to measuring and, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for measuring a space between components. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to the measurement of the space between components, such as aircraft components, where the space is accessible by a hole in one of the components.[0003]2. Background[0004]Manufacturing structures, such as those for aircraft, involve the assembly of different parts to form the structures. A certain level of fit between parts is desired but not always possible. For example, during manufacture of an aircraft tail assembly, the skin of a horizontal stabilizer is attached to a spar of the aircraft frame. The skin and spar are examples of adjacent pieces that may have a space between them.[0005]A shim may be placed in the space between adjacent parts. In certain cases, identifying the size of a space between the two a...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01B5/14G01B3/18
CPCG01B3/28
Inventor KOSTENICK, JR., PAUL GREGORYJONES, DARRELL DARWINZIMMERMAN, TRACY EDWARD
Owner THE BOEING CO
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